by Cpl. Robert L. Cook
Jan. 42~Sept. 45
Where is the land
For which we fought?
We who bore the arms!
Where is the honor,
Integrity,
Respect?
Can money be
The only thing
To which we aspire?
Have we lost
All dignity
Of which we once
Desired?
Once I had a trust
In mankind's better self.
I thought that if I
Were honest,
He would give in kind.
But now I find,
To my dismay,
That with my trust
He's gone astray.
He's defaulted
Along the way
And so,
I trust no more.
I look about me
At the youth
That once were
The nation's hope.
Their boorish manners
And slovenly ways
Speaks not of hope
But of dismay
That brings shame
On this nation,
Wasting all the
Education
That is theirs
For the taking.
They've not learned
Their lessons well,
Upon nonsense
Do they dwell,
Know too little
Of the past,
So of little
Can they tell.
Even less
Can they spell.
Perhaps I'm lucky
To be getting old.
I shall not live
To behold,
Destruction of
The mighty mold
That is our nation.
Its morals tattered
Beyond repair,
Good sense battered
And in despair.
Oh can you tell me
What's the matter?
We can no longer
Walk in safety,
Nor are we safe
At home.
A state of danger
Lies about,
Everywhere we roam.
Oh, Lord,
What must we do
To put back that
Which is askew,
And save this
Poor sick nation?
It's really up to you.
* * *
About the author: Robert Cook served with Reg. Weapons Co.(2d-2d) from 1942~44, at Guadalcanal
and Tarawa, during a 33-month overseas tour.
